US6699218B2 - Transcutaneous delivery means - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for delivering fluid to a patient including a passageway having a proximal fluid transport tube, a distal fluid transport tube, and a tubular expansion member coupling the fluid transport tubes. A penetrating member is positioned within the expansion member for axial movement between the fluid transport tubes, and has a sharpened distal tip. The device also includes a dispenser for causing fluid from a reservoir to flow to the proximal fluid transport tube, a housing containing the dispenser and the passageway and including an exit port receiving the distal fluid transport tube, and a connecting member secured to the penetrating member. The connecting member is movable by a user from an exterior of the housing and arranged such that movement causes the penetrating member to move between an extended position for subcutaneously inserting the distal fluid transport tube into a patient, and a retracted position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to provisional U.S. patent application serial No. 60/247,598, filed on Nov. 9, 2000, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference. The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No, 09/943,992, filed on Aug. 31, 2001, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices for delivering therapeutic fluids and more particularly to small, disposable, portable infusion devices and methods that can be used to transcutaneously deliver these fluids safely and simply to a mammalian patient. Even more particularly, the present invention relates a transcutaneous infusion assembly that allows transcutaneous placement of a soft cannula safely and automatically, and does not require the disposal of a sharp, contaminated needle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today, there are numerous diseases and other physical ailments that are treated by various medicines including pharmaceuticals, nutritional formulas, biologically derived or active agents, hormonal and gene based material and other substances in both solid or liquid form. In the delivery of these medicines, it is often desirable to bypass the digestive system of a mammalian patient to avoid degradation of the active ingredients caused by the catalytic enzymes in the digestive tract and liver. Delivery of a medicine other than by way of the intestines is known as parenteral delivery. Parenteral delivery of various drugs in liquid form is often desired to enhance the effect of the substance being delivered, insuring that the unaltered medicine reaches its intended site at a significant concentration. Also, undesired side effects associated with other routes of delivery, such as systemic toxicity, can potentially be avoided.

Often, a medicine may only be available in a liquid form, or the liquid version may have desirable characteristics that cannot be achieved with solid or pill form. Delivery of liquid medicines may best be accomplished by infusing directly into the cardiovascular system via veins or arteries, into the subcutaneous tissue or directly into organs, tumors, cavities, bones or other site-specific locations within the body.

Parenteral delivery of liquid medicines into the body is often accomplished by administering bolus injections using a needle and reservoir, or continuously by gravity driven dispensers or transdermal patch technologies. Bolus injections often imperfectly match the clinical needs of the patient, and usually require larger individual doses than are desired at the specific time they are given. Continuous delivery of medicine through gravity feed systems compromise the patient's mobility and lifestyle, and limit the therapy to simplistic flow rates and profiles. Transdermal patches have special requirements of the medicine being delivered, particularly as it relates to the molecular structure, and similar to gravity feed systems, the control of the drug administration is severely limited.

Ambulatory infusion pumps have been developed for delivering liquid medicaments to a patient. These infusion devices have the ability to offer sophisticated fluid delivery profiles accomplishing bolus requirements, continuous infusion and variable flow rate delivery. These infusion capabilities usually result in better efficacy of the drug and therapy and less toxicity to the patient's system. An example of a use of an ambulatory infusion pump is for the delivery of insulin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. These pumps can deliver insulin on a continuous basal basis as well as a bolus basis as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,498,843 to Schneider et al.

The ambulatory pumps often work with a reservoir to contain the liquid medicine, such as a cartridge or reservoir, and use electromechanical pumping or metering technology to deliver the medication to the patient via tubing from the infusion device to a needle that is inserted transcutaneously, or through the skin of the patient. The devices allow control and programming via electromechanical buttons or switches located on the housing of the device, and accessed by the patient or clinician. The devices include visual feedback via text or graphic screens, such as liquid crystal displays known as LCD's, and may include alert or warning lights and audio or vibration signals and alarms. The device can be worn in a harness or pocket or strapped to the body of the patient.

Currently available ambulatory infusion devices are expensive, difficult to program and prepare for infusion, and tend to be bulky, heavy and very fragile. Filling these devices can be difficult and require the patient to carry both the intended medication as well as filling accessories. The devices require specialized care, maintenance, and cleaning to assure proper functionality and safety for their intended long-term use. Due to the high cost of existing devices, healthcare providers limit the patient populations approved to use the devices and therapies for which the devices can be used.

Clearly, therefore, there was a need for a programmable and adjustable infusion system that is precise and reliable and can offer clinicians and patients a small, low cost, light weight, simple to use alternative for parenteral delivery of liquid medicines.

In response, the applicant of the present application provided a small, low cost, lightweight, easy to use device for delivering liquid medicines to a patient, which is described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/943,992, filed on Aug. 31, 2001. The device includes an exit port, a dispenser for causing fluid from a reservoir to flow to the exit port, a local processor programmed to cause a flow of fluid to the exit port based on flow instructions from a separate, remote control device, and a wireless receiver connected to the local processor for receiving the flow instructions. To reduce the size, complexity and costs of the device, the device is provided with a housing that is free of user input components, such as a keypad, for providing flow instructions to the local processor.

What is still desired are new and improved devices for delivering fluid to a patient. Preferably, the fluid delivery devices will be simple in design, and inexpensive and easy to manufacture, to further reduce the size, complexity and costs of the devices, such that the devices or portions thereof lend themselves to being small and disposable in nature.

In addition, the fluid delivery devices will preferably include a transcutaneous infusion assembly that allows transcutaneous placement of a soft cannula safely and automatically, and does not require the disposal of a sharp, contaminated needle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The applicant has determined that a sophisticated ambulatory infusion device that can be programmed to reliably deliver variable flow profiles of liquid medications, yet is small, lightweight and low cost, is needed. Avoiding the general upkeep and maintenance required by expensive, long-term use devices is necessary for broader acceptance of ambulatory infusion therapy. Smaller and lighter devices are easier to carry and are more comfortable for the patient even allowing the device to attach with adhesive to the patient's skin similar to a transdermal patch.

An inexpensive device allows greater flexibility in prescribing the device for use by reducing the financial burden on healthcare insurance providers, hospitals and patient care centers as well as patients themselves. In addition, low cost devices make it more practical for a patient to have one or more replacement devices readily available. If the primary device is lost or becomes dysfunctional, availability of the replacement eliminates costly expedited repair and avoids periods of discontinued ambulatory therapy.

The present invention, therefore, provides a small, lightweight and low cost fluid delivery device capable of adjustable and programmable fluid delivery includes a housing that surrounds a reservoir chamber. In fluid communication with the reservoir chamber is a dispenser for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir in finite amounts. The dispenser is controlled by an electronic microcontroller (referred to as the “local processor”) of the fluid delivery device. The fluid delivery device further includes a communication element that receives information from a remote control device not mechanically attached to the fluid delivery device of the present invention. Also included is an exit port assembly in fluid communication with the dispenser from which the liquid medication exits the fluid delivery device and enters the body of a mammalian patient transcutaneously.

The types of liquids that could be delivered by the fluid delivery device of the present invention include but are not limited to: insulin, antibiotics, nutritional fluids, total parenteral nutrition or TPN, analgesics, morphine, hormones or hormonal drugs, gene therapy drugs, anticoagulants, analgesics, cardiovascular medications, AZT or chemotherapeutics. The types of medical conditions that the fluid delivery device of the present invention might be used to treat are diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pain, chronic pain, cancer, AIDS, neurological diseases, Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Hepatitis, Parkinson's Disease or spasticity.

The housing of the fluid delivery device is preferably free of electromechanical elements, such as switches or buttons, that the patient would press to program or alter the programming of the fluid delivery device. The primary interface between the fluid delivery device and the user is via the remote control device.

The device further includes a means of placing an integrated infusion set through the patient's skin, as well as automatically withdrawing a semi-rigid penetrating member. The system of the present invention can avoid the need for a sharpened metal object from ever being exposed both prior to insertion through the skin or after withdrawal of the device from the skin.

Another aspect of the present invention comprises an improved transcutaneous infusion set that utilizes a rigid or semi-rigid penetrating member to place a soft cannula through the skin of the patient. The penetrating member is then removable from the soft cannula to provide better patient comfort by avoiding a sharpened rigid or semi-rigid tip from residing in the patient's subcutaneous tissue.

In one aspect, the penetrating member can be withdrawn from the subcutaneous tissue, but remain encapsulated within the infusion set of the present invention. Retraction means, attached to the penetrating member are detached and removed, leaving the contaminated member with its sharp tip safely contained within the device. The improved infusion set can remain indwelling for a period of time such as three days, with the soft cannula securely located in the patient's subcutaneous tissue, allowing multiple injections during the indwelling period without requiring the repeated piercing of skin with needles.

For applications such as Type I diabetes, patients using syringe injections presently puncture their skin both for the injections and for blood glucose testing. As needle free blood glucose technologies are made available, the need for a needle free subcutaneous access device, such as those described in the present invention will be extremely beneficial.

Another aspect of the present invention comprises an infusion set having a flow restricting element, which can prevent excessive flow rates or pressures to be delivered to the patient. In combination with an elastically compliant section, the system can store medication for short and long periods of time, continuously infusing the liquid medicament by way of the flow restricting element.

These aspects of the invention together with additional features and advantages thereof may best be understood by reference to the following detailed descriptions and examples taken in connection with the accompanying illustrated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a fluid delivery device constructed in accordance with the present invention and shown secured on a patient, and a remote control device for use with the fluid delivery device (the remote control device being enlarged with respect to the patient and the fluid delivery device for purposes of illustration);

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the fluid delivery device of FIG. 1, with a slidably movable penetrating member shown deploying a subcutaneous infusion cannula;

FIG. 3ais a further enlarged sectional view of the portions of the penetrating member and the subcutaneous infusion cannula of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the fluid delivery device of FIG. 1, with the slidably movable penetrating member shown retracted into a lumen of the subcutaneous infusion cannula;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the portions of the penetrating member and the subcutaneous infusion cannula of the fluid delivery device contained in circle5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a fluid delivery device of the present invention, with a slidably movable penetrating member shown exiting a subcutaneous infusion cannula;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the portions of the penetrating member and the subcutaneous infusion cannula of the fluid delivery device contained in circle7 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an additional embodiment of a fluid delivery device of the present invention, with a penetrating member shown located within a subcutaneous infusion cannula prior to advancement;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of the portions of the penetrating member and the subcutaneous infusion cannula of the fluid delivery device contained in circle9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the fluid delivery device of FIG. 9, showing a needle position indicator of the device;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the fluid delivery device of FIG. 8, with the penetrating member shown located distal to the tip of the subcutaneous infusion cannula;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the fluid delivery device of FIG. 11, showing the needle position indicator;

FIGS. 13 through 17 are sectional views of a further embodiment of a fluid delivery device of the present invention positioned on a patient's skin, illustrating a penetrating member prior, during and after deployment;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of still another embodiment of a fluid delivery device of the present invention, shown positioned on a patient's skin;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a fluid delivery device of the present invention, shown positioned on a patient's skin;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the fluid delivery device of FIG. 19, with a penetrating member shown pulled back and a retraction means removed;

FIG. 22 a sectional view of an additional embodiment of a fluid delivery device of the present invention, showing a penetrating member and an infusion cannula deployed and a retractor connected to the device;

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 22, showing the penetrating member withdrawn into the device, the infusion cannula deployed, and the retractor detached;

FIG. 24 a sectional view of a further embodiment of a fluid delivery device of the present invention, showing a penetrating member and an infusion cannula deployed and a retractor connected to the device;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 22, showing the penetrating member withdrawn into the device, the infusion cannula deployed, and the retractor detached;

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment of a fluid delivery device of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a sectional view of a further embodiment of a fluid delivery device of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a fluid delivery device of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a top plan view, partially in section, of an additional embodiment of a fluid delivery device of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 29, shown just prior to insertion of a penetrating member of the device into a patient's skin;

FIG. 31 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 29, rotated ninety degrees from the view of FIG. 30, showing the penetrating member and a subcutaneous infusion cannula inserted through the skin and into subcutaneous tissue of the patient;

FIG. 32 is a top view, partially in section, of the device of FIG. 29, shown with the penetrating member removed;

FIG. 33 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 29 shown with the cannula remaining deployed in the subcutaneous tissue;

FIG. 34 is a top plan view, partially in section, of an additional embodiment of a fluid delivery device of the present invention, with a compliant section shown unexpanded; and

FIG. 35 is a top plan view, partially in section, of the device of FIG. 34, with the compliant section shown fully expanded and constrained by a restraining element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated afluid delivery device10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The types of liquids that can be delivered by the fluid delivery device of the present invention include, but are not limited to, insulin, antibiotics, nutritional fluids, total parenteral nutrition or TPN, analgesics, morphine, hormones or hormonal drugs, gene therapy drugs, anticoagulants, analgesics, cardiovascular medications, AZT or chemotherapeutics. The types of medical conditions that the fluid delivery device of the present invention might be used to treat include, but are not limited to, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pain, chronic pain, cancer, AIDS, neurological diseases, Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Hepatitis, Parkinson's Disease or spasticity.

Referring to FIG. 2, thedevice10 generally includes anexit port assembly70 including a transcutaneous patient access tool, adispenser40 for causing fluid from areservoir30 to flow to theexit port assembly70, and a processor or electronic microcontroller (hereinafter referred to as the “local” processor)50 connected to thedispenser40.

Thelocal processor50 is programmed to cause a flow of fluid to theexit port assembly70 based on flow instructions from a separate,remote control device100, an example of which is shown in FIG.1. Referring also to FIG. 2, thefluid delivery device10 further includes awireless receiver60 connected to thelocal processor50 for receiving the flow instructions from the separate,remote control device100 and delivering the flow instructions to the local processor. Thedevice10 also includes ahousing20 containing theexit port assembly70, thereservoir30, thedispenser40, thelocal processor50, and thewireless receiver60.

As shown, thehousing20 is free of user input components for providing flow instructions to thelocal processor50, such as electromechanical switches or buttons on anouter surface21 of the housing, or interfaces otherwise accessible to a user to adjust the programmed flow rate through thelocal processor50. The lack of user input components allows the size, complexity and costs of thedevice10 to be substantially reduced so that thedevice10 lends itself to being small and disposable in nature.

In order to program, adjust the programming of, or otherwise communicate user inputs to thelocal processor50, thefluid delivery device10 includes the wireless communication element, orreceiver60 for receiving the user inputs from the separate,remote control device100 of FIG.1. Signals can be sent via a communication element (not shown) of theremote control device100, which can include or be connected to an antenna130, shown in FIG. 1 as being external to thedevice100.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, theremote control device100 has user input components, including an array of electromechanical switches, such as themembrane keypad120 shown. Thecontrol device100 also includes user output components, including a visual display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD)110. Alternatively, the control device can be provided with a touch screen for both user input and output. Although not shown in FIG. 1, theremote control device100 has its own processor (hereinafter referred to as the “remote” processor) connected to themembrane keypad120 and theLCD110. The remote processor receives the user inputs from themembrane keypad120 and provides “flow” instructions for transmission to thefluid delivery device10, and provides information to theLCD110. Since theremote control device100 also includes avisual display110, thefluid delivery device10 can be void of an information screen, further reducing the size, complexity and costs of thedevice10.

Thecommunication element60 of thedevice10 preferably receives electronic communication from theremote control device100 using radio frequency or other wireless communication standards and protocols. In a preferred embodiment, thecommunication element60 is a two-way communication element, including a receiver and a transmitter, for allowing thefluid delivery device10 to send information back to theremote control device100. In such an embodiment, theremote control device100 also includes anintegral communication element60 comprising a receiver and a transmitter, for allowing theremote control device100 to receive the information sent by thefluid delivery device10.

Thelocal processor50 of thedevice10 contains all the computer programs and electronic circuitry needed to allow a user to program the desired flow patterns and adjust the program as necessary. Such circuitry can include one or more microprocessors, digital and analog integrated circuits, resistors, capacitors, transistors and other semiconductors and other electronic components known to those skilled in the art. Thelocal processor50 also includes programming, electronic circuitry and memory to properly activate thedispenser40 at the needed time intervals.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, thedevice10 includes apower supply80, such as a battery or capacitor, for supplying power to thelocal processor50. Thepower supply80 is preferably integrated into thefluid delivery device10, but can be provided as replaceable, e.g., a replaceable battery.

Although not shown, the device can include sensors or transducers such as a reservoir volume transducer or a reservoir pressure transducer, for transmitting information to thelocal processor50 to indicate how and when to activate thedispenser40, or to indicate other parameters determining flow, pump flowpath prime condition, blockage in flowpath, contact sensors, rotary motion or other motion indicators, as well as conditions such as thereservoir30 being empty or leaking, or the dispensing of too much or too little fluid from the reservoir, etc.

The volume of thereservoir30 is chosen to best suit the therapeutic application of thefluid delivery device10 impacted by such factors as available concentrations of medicinal fluids to be delivered, acceptable times between refills or disposal of thefluid delivery device10, size constraints and other factors. Thereservoir30 may be prefilled by the device manufacturer or a cooperating drug manufacturer, or may include external filling means, such as a fill port having needle insertion septum or a Luer connector, for example. In addition, thedevice10 can be provided with a removable reservoir.

Although not shown, thedevice10 can also be provided with an adhesive layer on the outer surface of thehousing20 for securing thedevice10 directly to the skin of a patient. The adhesive layer is preferably provided in a continuous ring encircling theexit port assembly70 in order to provide a protective seal around the penetrated skin. Thehousing20 can be made from flexible material, or can be provided with flexible hinged sections that allow thefluid delivery device10 to flex during patient movement to prevent detachment and aid in patient comfort.

Thedispenser40 is connected in fluid communication with thereservoir30, as shown in FIG. 2, and controlled by thelocal processor50, which includes electronic programming, controls and circuitry to allow sophisticated fluid delivery programming and control of thedispenser40. When thedevice10 is provided with a pressurized reservoir30 (i.e., fluid maintained within the reservoir at a pressure above atmospheric), thedispenser40 is configured to act as a metering device, allowing pulses of fluid to pass from thepressurized reservoir30, through thedispenser40, to theexit port assembly70 at atmospheric pressure. When thedevice10 is provided with anon-pressurized reservoir30, thedispenser40 is configured to create a driving or pumping force on the fluid passing therethrough.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 5 and3a, the present invention provides an improvedexit port assembly70 for use as part of thefluid delivery device10. Theexit port assembly70 generally includes a flexibletranscutaneous cannula703 extending from thedispenser40, and a rigid penetratingmember704 positioned within the cannula. The penetratingmember704 is arranged to drive thecannula703 through a patient's skin and into subcutaneous tissue of the patient, and then be withdrawn to leave thesoft cannula703 in place in the subcutaneous tissue. The improvedexit port assembly70 avoids the disposal of sharp contaminated needles, and patient exposure to sharp points throughout the use of thedevice10.

The flexibletranscutaneous cannula703 may be constructed of various materials compatible with the liquid medicines to be delivered such as silicone, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or nylon. The penetratingmember704 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel. If flexing of the penetratingmember704 is required, spring steel can be used or elastic metals such as nickel titanium alloy, also referred to as Nitinol.

The exit port assembly also includes penetratingmember704 that has a sharpened distal tip, has a semi rigid construction and can exittranscutaneous infusion cannula703 to assist in piercing the skin of the patient during placement. The penetrating member may be constructed of spring steel or Nitinol, a nickel titanium alloy with elastic properties. In the construction offluid delivery device10 of FIG. 1, the penetratingmember704 would need to curve or otherwise modify its shape during its allowable travel. In a preferred embodiment, the penetrating member has a lumen that allows fluid to flow within its outer walls.

The penetratingmember704 is moved via connectingmember702 to which it is attached. Since the penetratingmember704 resides within the flow path of the device, distal linear expanding andcontracting member710D is connected on one end to the transcutaneous infusion cannula proximal end and on the other end connected to the connectingmember702. A proximal linear expanding andcontracting member710P may be connected on one end to the other side of the connecting member and on its other end to a fluid flow tube connected withdispenser40. All connections allow flow to pass through while preventing leaks at the connection point.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and3a, the proximal linear expanding andcontracting member710P and the distal linear expanding andcontracting member710D are tubes constructed to allow one end of the tube to be linearly displaced while the other end is displaced a different distance or no distance at all. A bellows or accordion construction with flexible materials can accomplish this requirement. Material choices for proximal linear expanding andcontracting member710P and distal linear expanding andcontracting member710D may include silicone, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon or other materials that are compatible with the fluids being delivered, flexible, and able to be manufactured in the accordion construction.

When constructed and attached as described, and the penetrating member in its retracted position within the confines ofhousing20,penetration control knob701K can be moved forward advancing connectingmember702. As connectingmember702 moves forward, penetratingmember704 moves with it, while distal linear expanding andcontracting member710D contracts, thus penetratingmember704 slidably moves within the lumen of thetranscutaneous infusion cannula703 exiting the tip. To maintain sealed fluid connections of the system, as connectingmember702 is moved forward bypenetration control knob701K, proximal linear expanding andcontracting member710P stretches. Alternatively in the absence of proximal linear expanding andcontracting member710P, the tubing connecting to the connectingmember702 may be flexible and of sufficient length to permit the range of motions of the assembly.

FIGS. 2 and 3 showpenetration control knob701K moved forward,penetration control spring705 elongated, proximal linear expanding andcontracting member710P expanded, distal linear expanding andcontracting member710D contracted, and penetratingmember704 extended beyond the tip oftranscutaneous infusion cannula703.

If penetratingmember704 is already extended, as is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,penetration control knob701K can be moved back, correspondingly moving back connectingmember702 which is connected to penetratingmember704. Flexibletranscutaneous cannula703 can remain in place in the subcutaneous tissue of the patient since the motion can be absorbed by the contraction of distal linear expanding andcontracting element710D.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,penetration control knob701K is attached topenetration control spring705 which biasespenetration control knob701K to automatically retract penetratingmember704 whenever penetratingmember704 has been extended. In use, the patient would move thepenetration control knob701K to extend penetratingmember704, place thefluid delivery device10 onto their skin, such as in the abdominal area, piercing the skin with the penetratingmember704 andtranscutaneous infusion cannula703, and further secure thefluid delivery device10 to their body with medical adhesive tape. In a preferred embodiment, thefluid delivery device10 may includehousing adhesive layer201, such as an adhesive ring around the boundary of the device, to attach to a patient's skin. Once the patient has let go of thepenetration control knob701K, thepenetration member704 automatically retracts due to the bias ofpenetration control spring705, leaving the soft infusion cannula,transcutaneous infusion cannula703 in place in the subcutaneous tissue of the patient.

As shown in FIGS. 2 through 5, the outside diameter of thepenetration member704 approximates the inner diameter of the flow tubes in which it resides such astranscutaneous infusion cannula703 and the distal linear expanding andcontracting member710D. Since the penetratingmember704 remains within the flow path of the device after retraction, fluid flows through the lumen of penetratingmember704 to reach the distal tip oftranscutaneous infusion cannula703. In an alternative embodiment, the penetratingmember704 can have an outside diameter less than the flow tubes in which it resides, allowing fluid to flow around the penetratingmember704 and obviating the need for an internal lumen within penetratingmember704.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show thefluid delivery device10 of FIG. 1 after thepenetration control knob701K has been released and thepenetration control spring705 is in its rest state with no potential energy stored. In addition, the proximal linear expanding andcontracting member710P is shown contracted, the distal linear expanding andcontracting member710D is extended, and the penetratingmember704 is retracted within thehousing20 and the lumen oftranscutaneous infusion cannula703.

Referring to FIG. 6, another embodiment of thefluid delivery device10 of the present invention is shown, having a solid penetratingmember704 with an outside diameter less than an inside diameter of distal linear expanding andcontracting member710D, such that fluid can flow around the penetratingmember704.

As shown best in FIG. 7, the flexibletranscutaneous infusion cannula703, which exits thehousing20 offluid delivery device10 by way ofhousing exit20E, includes one or more side holes706 so that fluid can exit the distal tip of the cannula as well as exit holes proximal to the tip. Optionally, the distal tip may be sealed forcing all of the fluid to exit through the one or more side holes706.

FIGS. 8 through 10, depict another embodiment of afluid delivery device10 of the present invention, having a movable, hollow penetratingmember704 connected to aflexible tube720P that is slidably connected to aninfusion cannula703 through a housing exit seal20ES. FIG. 8 depicts thefluid delivery device10 with the penetratingmember704 in a retracted state.

Thepenetration control knob701K is connected to the connectingmember702 wherein a force applied topenetration control knob701K with sufficient force to overcome the bias ofpenetration control spring705, would cause the connectingmember702 to move forward, advancingpenetration member704 further through housing exit seal20ES causing the distal tip of penetratingmember704 to exit flexibletranscutaneous cannula703. When in the advanced state, the penetratingmember704 and the flexibletranscutaneous cannula703 can penetrate the skin of the patient. Then thepenetration control knob701K can be released to allow the bias from thepenetration control spring705 to cause retraction of the connectingmember702 and the penetratingmember704 so that the tip of penetratingmember704 is pulled back within the lumen of flexibletranscutaneous cannula703 and into thehousing exit port20E.

The proximal end of the penetratingmember704 is in a sealed fluid connection to proximalfluid transport tube720P. Proximalfluid transport tube720P is of sufficient length and flexible construction to support full travel of penetratingmember704. Proximalfluid transport tube720P is constructed of flexible materials that are compatible with the chosen fluids to be delivered. Examples of these materials include silicone, polyethylene, polyvinyl choride, nylon and other materials. Alternatively, proximalfluid transport tube720P could include a bellows or accordion construction, such as the proximal linear expanding andcontracting member710P shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 9 shows thepenetration member704 retracted into thehousing exit port20E but remaining through the housing exit seal20ES and within the lumen of the flexibletranscutaneous cannula703. FIG. 10 shows a top view of thefluid delivery device10, which includes aneedle position indicator707 that provides a visual indication to a user as to the location of the penetratingmember704. The top ofpenetration control knob701K correlates to text or other visual indicators included inneedle position indicator707 that indicate the position of penetratingmember704. FIG. 10 correlates with FIGS. 8 and 9 in that thepenetration control knob701K is in a retracted state, withpenetration member704 retracted, and that theneedle position indicator707 indicates a retracted state.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of thefluid delivery device10 of the present invention including an advanceable penetratingmember704 connected to aflexible tube720P that is in fluid communication with thedispenser40. Thefluid delivery device10 is shown with the penetratingmember704 in its fully advanced state. When in the advanced state, the penetratingmember704 is adapted to penetrate the skin of a patient. In addition, after advancement, thepenetration control knob701K is locked in place via a latch of theknob701K engaging a cut out in thehousing20 to secure thepenetration member704 in an advanced position.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the penetratingmember704 is required to flex during advancement to make an approximate right angle turn throughexit20E inhousing20. The penetrating member is, therefore, made of material sufficient to support penetration of the patient's skin, yet flexible enough to bend during advancement and retraction. Examples of suitable materials include spring steel, and nickel titanium alloy, known as Nitinol. Alternatively, a design wherein the penetratingmember704 travels solely in a direction perpendicular to the patient's skin, i.e. up and down, and wherein the proximalfluid transport tube720P bends can be provided. In such a design, the penetratingmember704 can be a rigid construction and made from a non-flexible material such as standard or hypodermic grade stainless steel. In either construction, the penetratingmember704 is hollow to support fluid flow, and can include a sharpened tip to assist in penetrating the skin of the patient.

As shown in FIG. 12, the embodiment of FIG. 11 includes aneedle position indicator707 that provides visual feedback to a user as to the location of the penetratingmember704. The top ofpenetration control knob701K correlates to text or other visual indicators included inneedle position indicator707 that indicate the position of penetratingmember704. FIG. 12 correlates with FIG. 11 in that thepenetration control knob701K is in its extended and locked state, withpenetration member704 advanced as is indicated vianeedle position indicator707.

FIGS. 13 through 17 show another preferred embodiment of thefluid delivery device10 of the present invention, shown attached on a patient'sskin210 and wherein anexit port assembly70 includes apenetration control button701B extending through abutton clearance hole740 of thehousing20 for advancing and retracting a transcutaneous penetratingmember704. Thepenetration control button740 is movable in opposing directions perpendicular to theskin210 and is fixedly attached to a connectingmember702. The connectingmember702 has a fluid pathway connected between proximalfluid transport tube720P, that in turn is connected to thedispenser40, and to distal linear expanding andcontracting member710D. All connections are made to allow flow between components without leaks. The distal linear expanding andcontracting member710D is fluidly connected to a distalfluid transport tube720D that is in turn fluidly connected to a flexibletranscutaneous cannula703. Residing within the distal linear expanding andcontracting member710D and the flexibletranscutaneous cannula703, and fixedly attached to the connectingmember702 is the penetratingmember704.

In FIG. 13, thepenetration control button701B is shown in an initial, non-depressed position, such that thepenetration control spring705 is fully contracted, the flexibletranscutaneous cannula703 is withdrawn into thehousing exit port20E, and the penetratingmember704 is withdrawn into the flexibletranscutaneous cannula703. FIG. 13 also shows that thedevice10 has been attached to the skin of thepatient210 viaadhesive201. FIG. 14 shows thepenetration control button701B being into thebutton clearance hole740, such as with a patient's finger (not shown), and causing the proximalfluid transport tube720P and the distalfluid transport tube720D to move toward theskin210, thepenetration control spring705 to expand, and the penetratingmember704 and thecannula703 to advance to the surface of theskin210. FIG. 12 shows further depression of thepenetration control button701B causing the proximalfluid transport tube720P and the distal linear expanding andcontracting member710D to move further towards the skin, thepenetration control spring705 to further expanded, and the penetratingmember704 to penetrate theskin210 and entersubcutaneous tissue211 of the patient. The elongated, tubularhousing exit port20E supports the flexibletranscutaneous cannula703 and the penetratingmember704 and provides additional column strength to assist in penetrating the surface of patient'sskin210.

FIG. 16 shows furthermost depression of thepenetration control button701B into thebutton clearance hole740, causing full expansion of thepenetration control spring705, further advancement of the proximalfluid transport tube720P, the distal linear expanding andcontracting member710D in contact with thehousing exit port20E, the flexibletranscutaneous cannula703 advanced through theskin210 and intosubcutaneous tissue211 of the patient, and the penetratingmember704 further advanced through theskin210 and thesubcutaneous tissue211. FIG. 17 shows thepenetration control button701B after being released, such that thepenetration control spring705 has been allowed to contract and return the button in a direction away from theskin210 and back up into thebutton clearance hole740, causing the penetratingmember704 to be retracted back into the flexibletranscutaneous cannula703 and within thehousing exit port20E. As shown, however, the flexibletranscutaneous cannula703 remains through theskin210 and in thesubcutaneous tissue211 of the patient.

In order to hold the flexibletranscutaneous cannula703 within thesubcutaneous tissue211 and prevent the flexibletranscutaneous cannula703 from being retracted into thehousing exit port20E as the penetratingmember704 is slidably retracted, thehousing exit port20E can be provided with a rough inner surface for frictionally engaging the flexibletranscutaneous cannula703. Alternatively, the surface of thehousing exit port20E can be provided with angled frictional engaging members, not shown, to allow smooth advancement of the flexibletranscutaneous cannula703 towards theskin210 and prevent movement of the flexibletranscutaneous cannula703 away from theskin210.

All connections described allow fluid to pass from component to component without leaks. The distal linear expanded andcontracting member710D allows relative quantity and direction of motion between the penetratingmember704 and the flexible transcutaneous cannula to differ, enabling the preferred embodiment of the invention. In addition, a second spring (not shown) can be utilized to provide automatic insertion force bias, i.e., bias towards the skin. Speed of skin penetration can be an important factor in pain reduction, and utilizing a second spring, activated by pushing or turning thepenetration control button701B, and deactivated when thepenetration member704 reaches its maximum downward travel, can be beneficial.

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of afluid delivery device10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. Thedevice10 of FIG. 18 includes anadhesive membrane205 covering thehousing20 for attaching thedevice10 to a patient'sskin210, and havingprojections204 projecting out from thehousing20. Anexit port assembly70 is integrated into one of the adhesiveaxial projections204 and is connected to thedispenser40 through distalfluid transport tube720D. Theexit port assembly70 includes askin penetrating cannula72, such as a hypodermic needle or a flexible cannula, as described above, in fluid communication with the distalfluid transport tube720D and acannula access septum76. Thecannula access septum76 is adapted to allow a needle (not shown) to penetrate through the septum while the septum maintains a seal, such that the needle can inject liquids through theskin penetrating cannula72 into the patient. When the needle is removed, thecannula access septum76 seals the needle puncture tract. Theseptum76 is maintained in a compressed state, such as with a compressing housing (not shown), to assist in sealing and the septum is made of an appropriate material, such as a silicon elastomer. The distalfluid transport tube720D may include a one-way check valve (not shown) to prevent fluid entering thecannula access septum76 from flowing backwards into thedispenser40.

FIG. 19 depicts atranscutaneous infusion button200 of the present invention, including ahousing220 that surrounds aninlet valve240. Thehousing220 may be constructed of a plastic such as acetyl or polysulfone or a metal such as stainless steel or titanium. For low cost production, injection molded plastics are preferable. Theinlet valve240 can be a mechanical valve including a Luer connection for attachment to a standard syringe, not shown, or alternatively a needle penetrable septum made from a material such as silicone, as shown.

Defined by thehousing220 below theinlet valve240 is areservoir243. Surrounding thehousing220 is aflexible section225 that includes a bottom surface and anadhesive layer201 on the bottom surface. Attached to thehousing220 is asubcutaneous infusion cannula260 that is in fluid communication with theinlet valve240. Prior to first use, atranscutaneous penetrator250 is contained within the lumen of thesubcutaneous infusion cannula260. In the embodiment shown, thepenetrator250 is hollow. Attached to the proximal end of thetranscutaneous penetrator250 is adetachable retractor230 that passes through theinlet valve240. Placement of the device involves penetration of the surface of patient'sskin210 by thetranscutaneous penetrator250 until thehousing adhesive layer201 is firmly in contact with the surface of patient'sskin210 andsubcutaneous infusion cannula260 resides in thesubcutaneous tissue211.

FIG. 20 shown a top view of thetranscutaneous infusion button200 showing theflexible section225 surrounding thehousing220 and theinlet valve240. Theflexible section225 is made of a flexible material such as silicon elastomer, and allows relative motion of the patient's skin. The adhesive201 can be standard epidermal adhesives such as those used in bandaids, or adhesives such as those employed by Tyco Valley Lab in their electrosurgery pads.

In FIG. 21 thedetachable retractor230 has been pulled out of thetranscutaneous penetrator250 within the lumen of thesubcutaneous infusion cannula260, and removed from theinlet valve240. With thetranscutaneous infusion button200 in place, and theretractor230 removed, access can be made with a syringe and a needle, through theinlet valve240 to deliver fluids through the hollowtranscutaneous penetrator250 and into thesubcutaneous tissue211 via thesubcutaneous infusion cannula260.

The outside diameter of thetranscutaneous penetrator250 is larger than the inside diameter of thesubcutaneous cannula260. Thesubcutaneous cannula260 is designed and constructed of materials that allow thesubcutaneous cannula260 to radially expand in the area surrounding thetranscutaneous penetrator250 and allow thetranscutaneous penetrator250 to slidably move within thesubcutaneous cannula260 when retracted by thedetachable retractor230 without causing thedetachable retractor230 to prematurely detach from thetranscutaneous penetrator250. A lubricant, such as silicone emulsion provided by Nusil Corporation or Dow Corporation can be used to lubricate the internal surface ofsubcutaneous infusion cannula260 to support ease of movement of thetranscutaneous penetrator250. The smaller inner diameter of thesubcutaneous infusion cannula260 may be more clinically acceptable and the larger outer diameter of the transcutaneous penetrator may aid in transcutaneous puncturing by the device. Alternatively, thetranscutaneous penetrator250 may have an outside diameter similar to the inside diameter of thesubcutaneous cannula260 or slightly smaller.

FIG. 22 is another preferred embodiment of the present invention including atranscutaneous infusion button200 that includes a penetratingmember250 and adetachable retractor270 for retracting the penetrator to a position within the device. Theinfusion button200 also includes ahousing220, preferably constructed of injection molded plastic such as acetyl to reduce weight and cost, and atop surface221 and aflexible section225 surrounding the housing and constructed of a soft, flexible material such as silicone elastomer to allow flexing and provide comfort to a patient wearing thebutton200. Abottom surface222 of thebutton200 includes anadhesive layer201 for attaching the button to a patients skin.

The button also includes aninlet valve240 having aninlet septum241 surrounded and radially compressed by aseptum ring242. Theinlet septum241 is received in areservoir243 of thebutton200. Asubcutaneous infusion cannula260 is in fluid communication with theinlet valve240 and exits the bottom portion of thehousing220. Prior to placement into the patient, atip251 of thetranscutaneous penetrator250 exits the tip of thesubcutaneous infusion cannula260. On the proximal end oftranscutaneous penetrator250 is penetrator sealingelement252 used to create a fluid seal when the penetrator is retracted. Also located on the proximal end of thetranscutaneous penetrator250 isattachment hole254 to whichretractor270 is affixed at its distal end. Theretractor270 enters thetranscutaneous infusion button200 viadetachment exit port224. At the proximal end ofretractor270 isdetachment grasp271, which extends out of thehousing220 and can be pulled by a user after transcutaneous penetration by thedevice200, to withdraw thepenetrator tip251 of thetranscutaneous penetrator250 in the lumen of thesubcutaneous infusion cannula260.

As shown in FIG. 23, thetranscutaneous penetrator250 exits thetranscutaneous infusion button200 through a separate,detachment exit port224, whose exit path is parallel to the patient's skin requiring a right angle or near right angle exit trajectory. Thetranscutaneous penetrator250 is, therefore, constructed of an elastic material, preferable a metal such as nickel, titanium alloy or a spring steel. As shown in FIG. 23, theretractor270 can fully retract thetranscutaneous penetrator250 into theexit port224 within the housing, avoiding presence of the penetrator in thesubcutaneous infusion cannula260 or any part of the fluid path. Thetranscutaneous penetrator250 can be a solid tube or a hollow tube.

FIG. 23 depicts thetranscutaneous penetrator250 fully pulled back with thepenetrator sealing element252 creating a fluid seal to theinfusion button housing220 thus preventing leaks during infusions. As also shown, theretractor270 becomes detached from thetranscutaneous penetrator250 and can be discarded. Theretractor270 does not include any sharp edges, and is not contaminated by body fluids, making for easy, safe, sanitary disposal of the detached retractor.

FIG. 24 shows an additional embodiment of atranscutaneous infusion button200, wherein thedistal tip251 of thepenetrator250 is hollow and includes at least onelateral opening253. Thepenetrator250 is adapted such that, when thepenetrator250 is pulled back by theretractor270, as shown in FIG. 25, thepenetrator250 still resides within theinfusion cannula260. Flow through thebutton200 to the patient is accomplished by passing through thelateral hole253 andhollow tip251 of thepenetrator250.

FIG. 26 shows a top plan view of another embodiment of atranscutaneous infusion button200 having adetachment exit path223 within thehousing220 and exiting atdetachment exit port224. As shown, thedetachment exit path223 takes a circuitous route allowing the detachment member, not shown, or transcutaneous penetrator, not shown, to have a linear length that is longer than a lateral dimension of thebutton200, e.g., the radius of the embodiment of thebutton200 illustrated in FIG.26. The circuitous path of thedetachment exit path223 allows a penetrator to be longer and still be retracted fully from the fluid path of theinfusion button200.

FIG. 27 depicts another preferred embodiment of the present invention includingbutton pump assembly400 that allows a non-infusate to be delivered into a separate chamber thus causing the intended infusate to be delivered into a patient. Similar in construction to the previously describedbuttons200, thebutton pump assembly400 includes aninlet valve490 having aninlet septum491 surrounded by apump housing420, which is in turn surrounded and covered by aflexible section425 which includes housingtop surface421. Thebottom surface422 of the device includes anadhesive layer401.

Defined by thebutton pump housing420 is areservoir430, which is preferably cylindrical. Exiting the bottom of thereservoir430 is asubcutaneous infusion cannula460, which may be a soft cannula or semi-rigid or rigid structure, such as a needle. Dividing thereservoir430 into afluid displacement section471 and amedication section472 is amovable plunger470. When fluid is added to thedisplacement reservoir section471 by way of theinlet valve490, thereservoir plunger470 moves towards theinfusion cannula460 and expels an equivalent amount of fluid from themedication reservoir section472 through the cannula.

Themedication reservoir section472 can be prefilled prior to distribution to patients and caregivers, or can include a medicationreservoir entry tube443 as shown in FIG.27. The medicationreservoir entry tube443 extends from a medicationreservoir entry valve442, such as a needle penetrable septum, and the bottom of themedication reservoir section472. The device can be filled with a specific amount of medication, and then, as any fluid, such as water or saline, is administered into thedisplacement reservoir section471 by way ofinlet valve490, thereservoir plunger470 will move downward, forcing an equivalent amount of therapeutic fluid out of the device exiting viasubcutaneous infusion cannula460. The advantage of thebutton400 is simplification of the drug delivery process, including avoiding the need for the patient to separately carry with them a supply of medication. A simple syringe, using tap water can be used to give the proper amount of therapeutic medication, since the tap water will never actually enter the patient due to a fluid seal created by thereservoir plunger470.

It should be appreciated that all of the elements shown in thebuttons200 of previous figures can be included in thebutton pump assembly400 of FIG.27. The inlet valve may allow access with a needle or mechanical connection such as standard Luer connectors. The device may include a flow restrictor to prevent over pressurization. Additionally, a compliant section may be included, or thesubcutaneous infusion cannula460 may be compliant and include a flow restrictor within its lumen, such that fluid is accumulated and delivered over a prolonged period of time to the patient, as is described hereinabove. A penetrating member, with exit path and potentially retractor can be included to aid in transcutaneous placement ofsubcutaneous infusion cannula460.Subcutaneous infusion cannula460 may be constructed of stainless steel, Nitinol, or compliant materials such as silicone, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or other materials.

FIG. 28 shows anotherbutton pump assembly400 similar to the device of FIG. 27, but including two separate, flexible, sealedreservoirs440,450 in mechanical communication with one another such that any force exerted on or from one reservoir is correspondingly exerted on the other reservoir. A volume of non-infusate can be delivered into thenon-infusate reservoir450 to cause an equivalent volume of therapeutic infusate to be delivered to the patient from theinfusate reservoir440. Similar in construction to the device of FIG. 27, thebutton pump assembly400 includes aninlet valve490 having aseptum491.

Contained in thereservoir430 is a compliantdisplacement reservoir membrane451 that defines thenon-infusate reservoir450, which is in fluid communication with theinlet valve490 by way of acheck valve452. Aspace453 for expansion is provided between thereservoir membrane451 and thehousing420 so that themembrane451 can elastically expand and pressurize the non-infusate fluid contained therein. Venting holes may be included to allow unimpeded expansion of thedisplacement reservoir membrane451.

Also contained withinreservoir chamber430 of thehousing420 iscompliant membrane441 defining theinfusate reservoir440, which is connected to thesubcutaneous infusion cannula460. Located between theinfusate reservoir440 and thesubcutaneous infusion cannula460 is aflow valve480, which may be a simple one-way check valve or a more complicated flow restricting assembly.

FIG. 29 depicts another preferred embodiment of afluid delivery device300 of the present invention, wherein aflow restricting element380 is included in a fluid path of the device. Thedevice300 includes aninjector hub340 for attachment to a standard Luer connector, such as those included on standard syringes. Theinjector hub340 consists ofinjector housing341 and injector hubmale threads343 for mating with female threads on standard female Luers. Theinjector hub340 includes a check valve344 that controls flow into asubcutaneous cannula360, a portion of which is designed to reside in the subcutaneous tissue of a mammalian patient. If theinjector hub340 included a penetrable resealing septum to provide needle access instead of being adapted for connecting to a Luer connector, the check valve344 would not be required.

Within the fluid path of thefluid delivery device300 and proximal to the distal tip of thesubcutaneous infusion cannula360 is aflow restrictor380. The flow restrictor380 includes a micro lumen such as a restrictor micro lumen380ML that restricts flow per Poissons's equation, but can alternatively be provided with a more complex flow restricting structure such as osmotic membranes or other semi-permeable barriers. The micro lumen380ML can be collinear with theinfusion cannula360 or can take a circuitous route involving many turns to achieve sufficient length to achieve the flow restricting requirements. Thesubcutaneous infusion cannula360 may be attached to askin patch310 including on one side asuitable adhesive311. A patchcannula connecting zone312 is included bonding thesubcutaneous infusion cannula360 to theskin patch310 and allowing the distal portion ofsubcutaneous infusion cannula360 to remain unattached for flexing away from theskin patch310 into and through the skin of a patient.

One function of theflow restrictor380 is to limit the pressure that can be delivered to the patient at the distal dip of thecannula360. Such over-pressure conditions can lead to serious adverse events such as dislodgment, trauma, vessel damage, etc. By limiting the flow, theflow restrictor380 causes a significant pressure drop such that no significant pressure level can be reached and delivered into the patient.

Proximal to theflow restrictor380 may be a compliant section such as anexpandable accumulator350. Theexpandable accumulator350 is an elastically compliant assembly, with near zero volume in its ambient or unexpanded state. Theexpandable accumulator350 is designed such that when fluid is injected into the device via theinjection port340, fluid passes though check valve344 and theflow restrictor380 provides sufficient back pressure to cause theexpandable accumulator350 to expand with the injected fluid. The expandedaccumulator350, in turn, causes the fluid therein to be at an elevated pressure. Over time, fluid passes through theflow restrictor380 and exits thedevice300 via the distal tip ofsubcutaneous infusion cannula360.

Based on the pressures created by theexpandable accumulator350 and the flow restricting properties of theflow restrictor380, the length of time and flow profile of the resulting infusion can be determined. Lower pressures and larger restrictions can result in infusion over longer periods of time, which can be beneficial as compared with standard syringe injections in certain therapies such as treatment of diabetes with insulin. In an alternative embodiment, thesubcutaneous cannula360 may be made of an elastically compliant material, such that the section of the subcutaneous cannula that is located proximal to theflow restricting element380 functions as theaccumulator350, thereby avoiding the need for additional components or materials to function as theaccumulator350.

As also shown in FIG. 29, thefluid delivery device300 also includes a transcutaneous penetratingmember320 extending through theinjector hub340, thesubcutaneous cannula360, and exiting the distal tip of thecannula360. The penetrating member aids in placing the tip of thesubcutaneous cannula360 through the skin and into the subcutaneous tissue of the patient. The penetratingmember320 may pass through theflow restrictor380 or may alternatively pass alongside it. If thesubcutaneous cannula360 is made of an elastically compliant material such as silicone, the subcutaneous infusion cannula can create a fluid seal around the penetratingmember320 while it resides between the outside diameter of theflow restrictor380 and the inside diameter ofsubcutaneous cannula360, and then when the penetratingmember320 is removed, thesubcutaneous cannula360 creates a fluid seal aroundflow restrictor380 for continued use.

The penetratingmember320 includes apenetrator hub321 to allow a patient to remove thepenetrator member320 from thefluid delivery device300 after placement of thecannula360 into the subcutaneous tissue of the patient. Thepenetrator member320 also includes apenetrator cannula322 and a sharpeneddistal tip323 to aid in penetrating through the patient's skin into the subcutaneous tissue. Thepenetrator cannula322 may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid metal such as stainless steel or other materials mentioned hereinabove.

FIGS. 30 and 31 show a fluid delivery device penetrating theskin200 of apatient900 and being fixedly attached to the skin. The fluid delivery device of FIG. 30 is similar to the device of FIG. 29, but includes aneedle septum342 instead of a Luer connector and a check valve, in theinjector hub340.

FIG. 30 shows thefluid delivery device300 with the penetratingmember320 in place about to puncture the surface of theskin210 and entersubcutaneous tissue211. As shown, the device is held relatively perpendicular to the surface of patient'sskin210. A preferred method is to quickly jab thepenetrator point323 through the surface of patient'sskin210, which in turn causes the distal portion of thesubcutaneous cannula360, potentially up to the beginning of patchcannula connecting zone312, into thepatient900 along with the distal portion ofpenetrator cannula322, as shown in FIG.31.

After thesubcutaneous cannula360 is inserted into the patient, thepenetrator member320 is removed from thedevice300. Then the portion of thefluid delivery device300 exiting thepatient900 is folded over so that the adhesive side of theskin patch310 contacts the surface of the patient'sskin210 and fixedly attaches thedevice300 to thepatient900 with theinjector hub340 exposed for receiving a needle and the distal tip of thesubcutaneous cannula360 secured in place in thesubcutaneous tissue211 of thepatient900, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33.

FIGS. 34 and 35 show anotherdevice300 similar to the device of FIGS. 30 and 31, but further including anaccumulator constraint351 for limiting the overall expansion of theexpandable accumulator350 to a fixed volume defined by theaccumulator constraint351. The addition of theaccumulator constraint351 allows a user, such as a patient or doctor, to easily fill thefluid delivery device300 with the same volume at each use by applying a nominal amount of force when filling, or simply to allow a maximum dose and lesser volume doses. FIG. 35 shows theinjector septum342 of thedevice300 receiving aneedle910.

Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, many changes, modifications and substitutions may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. For example, some of the disclosed devices are shown with and without a retractable or removable transcutaneous penetrating member. Other devices are included with a needle penetrable entry port or a mechanical valve such as a Luer, to access the device. Some devices are shown with medication reservoirs that are prefilled, and reservoirs that can be filled by the caregiver, patient or other user. All of these particular embodiments, as well as others described hereinabove, including but not limited to construction and materials of construction of reservoirs, compliant sections and their construction, flow restricting elements and construction, addition of check valves to fluid paths, can be utilized on the various devices described hereinabove without departing from the spirit and scope of the described invention.

In addition, where this patent application has listed the steps of a method or procedure in a specific order, it may be possible or even expedient in certain circumstances to change the order in which some steps are performed, and it is intended that the particular steps of the method or procedure claims set forth hereinbelow not be construed as being order-specific unless such order specificity is expressly stated in the claim.

Claims (41)

What is claimed is:

1. A device for delivering fluid to a patient, comprising:

a fluid passageway including,

a proximal fluid transport tube;

a distal fluid transport tube;

a tubular expansion member coupling the fluid transport tubes;

a penetrating member positioned within the expansion member for axial movement between the fluid transport tubes, the penetrating member having a sharpened distal tip;

a dispenser for causing fluid from a reservoir to flow to the proximal fluid transport tube;

a housing containing the dispenser and the fluid passageway and including an exit port receiving the distal fluid transport tube; and

a connecting member secured to the penetrating member, movable from an exterior of the housing, and arranged such that movement of the connecting member causes the distal tip of the penetrating member to move towards the distal fluid transport tube to an extended position or away from the distal fluid transport tube to a retracted position.

2. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the penetrating member is a needle.

3. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the penetrating member is hollow.

4. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the penetrating member is solid.

5. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the penetrating member is flexible.

6. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the penetrating member is straight.

7. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the penetrating member is curved.

8. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the distal tip of the penetrating member is positioned within the housing when the penetrating member is in the retracted position.

9. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the penetrating member and the fluid passageway are sized to allow fluid flow between the passageway and the penetrating member.

10. A device according toclaim 1, wherein an outside diameter of the penetrating member is substantially equal to an inside diameter of the distal fluid transport tube.

11. A device according toclaim 1, wherein at least a portion of an outside diameter of the penetrating member is greater than an inside diameter of the distal fluid transport tube.

12. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the proximal fluid transport tube is attached to both the connecting member and the penetrating member.

13. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the expansion member is attached to both the connecting member and the penetrating member.

14. A device according toclaim 1, further comprising a lubricant on or near the outside surface of the penetrating member.

15. A device according toclaim 1, further comprising a therapeutic agent on a surface of the distal fluid transport tube.

16. A device according toclaim 15, wherein the therapeutic agent includes at least one of an antibiotic agent, an analgesic agent, and a topical anesthetic.

17. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the distal fluid transport tube is flexible.

18. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the distal fluid transport tube is rigid.

19. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the proximal fluid transport tube is flexible.

20. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the proximal fluid transport tube is rigid.

21. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the connecting member is attached to the expansion member.

22. A device according toclaim 1, wherein an inner diameter of the expansion member is greater than an outer diameter of the penetrating member.

23. A device according toclaim 1, wherein an inner diameter of the distal fluid transport tube is greater than an outer diameter of the penetrating member.

24. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the expansion member has a bellows-type construction.

25. A device according toclaim 1, wherein an inner diameter of the expansion member substantially equals an outer diameter of the penetrating member.

26. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the expansion member is connected to the proximal fluid transport tube through the connecting member.

27. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the device is attachable to a patient's skin, and a direction of movement of the connecting member is substantially parallel to a surface of the skin.

28. A device according toclaim 1, wherein movement of the connecting member in a first direction causes the penetrating member to move towards a distal end of the distal fluid transport tube and movement of the connecting member in a second direction causes the penetrating member to move away from the distal end of the distal fluid transport tube.

29. A device according toclaim 28, wherein the connecting member is biased in the second direction.

30. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the connecting member extends through the expansion member and is mechanically attached to the penetrating member.

31. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the connecting member extends through the proximal fluid transport tube and is mechanically attached to the penetrating member.

32. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the connecting member is connected to the penetrating member through one of the proximal fluid transport tube, the expansion member, and distal fluid transport tube.

33. A device according toclaim 1, further comprising a reservoir, and the dispenser controls fluid flow from the reservoir to the proximal fluid transport tube.

34. A device according toclaim 33, wherein the reservoir contains a therapeutic fluid.

35. A device according toclaim 33, wherein the reservoir is pressurized.

36. A device according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a local processor connected to the dispenser and programmed to cause the dispenser to allow fluid flow from a reservoir to the proximal fluid transport tube based on flow instructions;

a wireless receiver connected to the local processor for receiving flow instructions from a separate, remote control device and delivering the flow instructions to the local processor; and

wherein the housing is free of user input components for providing flow instructions to the local processor.

37. A system including a fluid delivery device according toclaim 36, and further comprising a remote control device separate from the fluid delivery device and including:

a remote processor;

user interface components connected to the remote processor for allowing a user to provide flow instructions to the remote processor; and

a transmitter connected to the remote processor for transmitting the flow instructions to the receiver of the fluid delivery device.

38. A device according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a local processor connected to the dispenser and programmed to cause the dispenser to allow fluid flow from a reservoir to the proximal fluid transport tube based on flow instructions, and further programmed to provide flow information;

a wireless transmitter connected to the local processor for transmitting the flow information from the local processor to a separate, remote control device; and

wherein the housing is free of user output components for providing the flow information from the local processor to a user.

39. A system including a fluid delivery device according toclaim 38 and further comprising a remote control device separate from the fluid delivery device and including:

a remote processor;

user output components connected to the remote processor for allowing a user to receive flow information; and

a receiver connected to the remote processor for receiving the flow information from the transmitter of the fluid delivery device.

40. A device according toclaim 1, further comprising an adhesive layer on an outer surface of the housing.

41. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the exit port includes an elongated bore receiving and supporting the distal fluid transport tube.

Images